Bound Together (41 page)
Authors: Marie Coulson
I giggled and rolled off
of his chest to lie beside him. “Well I’d like to think I’m
independent, strong-willed and lots of fun. I grew up in
Pasadena,
in the same
house my father now lives and I loved it there. I was lucky enough
to have the greatest friend in the world live right next door and
although my parents never had any other children, Mel is the sister
I always wanted. My mom’s a nurse and when I was growing up she
spent most of her time at home with me. My dad worked in a small
garage so it meant we had to live modestly. I didn’t mind that all
the other kids had gadgets and gizmos and designer clothes because
they hardly ever saw their parents. I got to see mine every day. We
always had dinner together and in the evenings we’d just veg out
with popcorn and watch old movies. It was great. You already know
about my love life and apart from wanting to be like Marilyn Monroe
while growing up, I’d say I had a pretty standard life. Well, that
was until I moved to college and started singing in bars, working
in a cozy little coffee shop and met this guy. I accidently made
him spill coffee on this shirt he was wearing and he got all moody
about it. Oh and I may or may not have broken his nose but boy did
he act like a baby.”
Rolling on top of me
Jared pinned me to the bed and ticked me relentlessly. I squirmed
and shrieked as his fingers unleashed their assault on my body. “He
was a baby huh? You sure you don’t mean a total babe?” I giggled
harder as he continued to tickle me, digging into my ribs with his
fingers. Wriggling out of his grasp I kicked and rolled till I was
out of his grip. Standing in front of the bed panting, I watched as
his eyes took on that familiar predatory gaze. I was a gazelle
caught in the sights of a lion and I had one option. A mischievous
smile spread across his lips. “Oh that’s a dangerous game Layla. If
you run I’ll be forced to give chase and you know how much I love
to catch you. One way or another I’m going to get you and when I
do, oh baby.” I quickly glanced at the door before fixing my eyes
on him once more. He ran his tongue over his lip and his mouth
opened slightly. I could see the desire burning in his dark hooded
eyes and it made me heat under his gaze. In a snap decision I
squealed and laughed breathlessly as I sprinted through the
hallways and down the staircase. His feet padded heavily behind me
and as I glanced back I could see him gaining on me.
Darting through the
doorways I made it to the dining room before he cornered me.
Standing on either end of the glass dining table we panted, trying
to catch our breath. “Cornered Miss Jennings. Now, come
here.”
His long finger curved,
beckoning me to go to him. Approaching the table I lifted my knee
high and climbed on top. His eyebrow shot up as he watched me crawl
sexily and seductively across the glass towards him.
A low growl rumbled in
his throat as I rose up placing myself less than an inch from him.
My lips parted slightly, I breathed gently on his lips. “Oh you
really are a tempting little siren. How the hell did I get so
lucky?” Gripping his hands on my ass he swept my feet from beneath
me and gently laid me on the cool glass. Lying on top of me, his
hand slid up my thigh as the other continued its vice like grip on
my behind. A vibrating in my pocket startled us. “Is that a
vibrator in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” I laughed
and pushed him off of me as I sat upright, digging my cell from my
pocket.
Lifting a finger to him
indicating that he give me a minute, I answered the cell earning me
a roll of his eyes. “Hey Amy.”
“
Layla did you know it’s
Ollie’s birthday?” Confused, I glanced at Jared who was now sitting
in one of the sleek black dining room chairs, watching me with a
finger pressed to his lips. “Are you sure? I had no idea. How did
you find out?”
“
Some guy came by looking
for him and asked me to give him a message. He said he was Ollie’s
brother and that he needed to talk to him about their parents and
that I should wish him a happy birthday. Why wouldn’t he tell us
it’s his birthday?”
I paused for a moment as
I turned over the feeling of uneasiness I felt about Ollie’s
brother seeking him out over their father. He must have heard about
him being in prison and their mother searching for Ollie. “I can’t
believe his birthday is the day before mine. I have no idea why
he’d keep it a secret.”
“
Maybe he didn’t want to
steal your thunder. We’re going to do something though
right?”
“
Of course we are! Ok, so
we’re at the bar tonight as usual, we’ll turn it into a birthday
party. Here’s what we’ll do. You go get Nick, Eric and whoever else
you can muster from the dorm to the bar. I’ll pick up a cake and
we’ll go halves on a gift? I have just the thing in mind.” Amy
squeaked with excitement and I had to hold the phone away from my
ear to stop her perforating my ear drum. “This is so much fun! A
surprise party for Ollie! I’ll see you at the bar in three hours?”
I risked a chance look at Jared before answering. “Yeah, see you in
three hours.”
Placing my cell on the
table I scooted off the edge and over to the hot piece of ass
brooding in the corner. Straddling his lap, I took his hands and
wrapped them around my waist. “Jared, I know how you feel about
Ollie but I really think you would feel differently if you got to
know him. It’s his birthday and were all going to Benny’s bar to
celebrate. I would really, really love it if you would come meet
everyone.”
“
Layla I really don’t
think…” Frowning, he ran his hand through his hair but I caught his
wrist and threaded our fingers together. It was his anxiety tick
and he needed to break the habit. “Please? I really can’t stand the
way you two hate each other like this. He’s my friend and you’re
the man I love. Please, for me?” Leaning forward I placed a soft
chaste kiss on his lips. He groaned in defeat and I knew I had won.
“Alright. For you I’ll come. But I am only doing this to make you
happy. You know I’d do anything to see you smile. Just don’t expect
us to be best friends because it won’t happen.”
Pleased with my victory I
grinned, jumped off his lap and did a little dance in celebration.
Chuckling, he stood and slapped me on the behind playfully. “Behave
yourself. You keep wiggling that sexy little ass in front of my
face like that we’ll never make it there. Come on, I’ll drive you
to the mall so you can pick up a cake and a gift. You know what
you’re getting him right? We’re not gonna have to traipse around
for an hour?”
I smiled. “I know exactly
what to get him. There’s a music store in your mall
right?”
Chapter 31
One Tequila, Two Tequila,
Three Tequila, Floor
Entering the bar, I
grinned as I saw dozens of students from the dorm drinking,
laughing and talking together. Amy had managed to get almost every
member of our building to come, just to celebrate Ollie’s birthday.
Jared clutched my hand tightly and carried Ollie’s gift wrapped
present in the other. Leaning into my ear he groaned. “Are you
serious? This is where you hang out?” Rolling my eyes I had to
balance the cake box steadily in one hand, as Jared had insisted he
was not letting go of the other one all night. Scanning the area
where our usual table stood, I spotted Amy as she waved at me
enthusiastically.
We made our way over and
after greeting us with a hug and peck on my cheek, she took the box
from me and carried it off to the bar. I looked around for the
guest of honor and noticed Ollie near the stage, talking to a
couple of guys I recognized from our psych class. He hadn’t noticed
me come in yet which I was silently grateful for, as I wanted to
introduce him to Jared properly which meant at least giving him a
heads up that he was even in the building. Amy returned to the
table with a pitcher and three glasses. “I didn’t know what you
drank Jared so I thought beer would be perfect.” Raising his voice
so that he would be heard over the crowd he smiled. “I’m pretty
sure you ladies aren’t old enough to be drinking.”
Giggling, she shrugged.
“My father still thinks I’m a virgin, some things are more fun when
done in secret I guess.”
I stifled a laugh as he
arched an eyebrow at her amused. Pecking him on the cheek I took
the gift from him and indicated I’d be back in a
moment.
As I walked away, I
watched as Amy pulled him down to sit beside her and began
introducing him to Nick and Eric. Ollie had finished talking and
was now striding towards me quickly. Scooping me into a tight hug
he twirled me around and kissed my cheek. “You are the best fucking
friend in the world. I can’t believe you did all of this for me!” I
grinned and glanced at Jared, who was watching Ollie with a
clenched jaw.
“
Why didn’t you tell us
it was your birthday? We only found out after Amy saw your brother.
Did you get a chance to speak with him?”
Shrugging, he brushed off
my question. “No and I’m not going to.” Gripping his injured palm
into a fist he frowned at it. “Let’s not get into all of that
tonight ok? It’s my birthday.”
Nodding, I handed him the
bright red package and smiled. “Happy Birthday Oliver.”
Tearing off the paper he
gasped and stared at me in shock. Stroking his bandaged hand up and
down the long tight strings of his new guitar, he grinned. White
with a black panel in the center it had been marked with his name
on the bottom curve. “Oh my god Layla. It’s beautiful. It must have
cost a fortune how did you pay for this?”
“
I didn’t. Well, not
alone. It’s from me and Amy. Do you like it?”
“
Like it? I fucking love
it!” Holding it in one hand he threw his arms around me again and
whispered in my ear. “Layla, about the photo.”
I shook my head and gave
him a gentle shove. “It’s fine. Another time alright?” He nodded
and pressed his lips into a firm line. “Ollie, I brought Jared here
tonight. I’d really love it if you two could meet properly. I don’t
expect you to be best buddies but I would like if you would at
least be civil for my sake. Will you come meet him,
please?”
Taking a deep breath he
frowned at me before rolling his eyes. “Alright. You know I’d do
anything for you. Where is he so we can get this over with and I
can go back to getting hammered?” The air was tense as we
approached the table. Jared was on his feet before we even got near
and immediately snaked a possessive arm around my waist. Ignoring
his attempt to mark his territory, I introduced the two guys and
held my breath as they stood sizing each other up. Holding out his
hand, Jared made the first move and after glancing at my hopeful
face Ollie accepted. Letting out the breath I was holding, I sighed
in relief. “So Layla tells me you play?” Lifting his guitar
slightly he gave Jared a look that suggested “well duh” but
thankfully kept the sarcasm to himself and never actually said it.
Glaring at him I mouthed a warning. “Be nice.”
“
Uh yeah, since I was a
kid. But Layla’s the superstar. She made her debut right there on
that stage.” He nodded at the empty stage across the bar and I
smiled to myself remembering the performance I’d made the first
time we’d come to Benny’s.
Grinning, Jared gazed
down at me. “Really? I would love to see that.”
Ollie took my hand and
smiled enthusiastically. “We should do it Layla! I’ll get to fire
up this little baby, Amy can play piano and the guys can play drums
and bass. Come on. Call it a birthday concert for me. Besides Jared
wants to see your awesome talent firsthand.” Jared’s eyes travelled
to where Ollie’s thumb was currently brushing back and forth across
my knuckles. Pulling my hand away quickly, I smiled
nervously.
“
I don’t know Ollie, I
mean, I think it was a once in a lifetime performance. Besides, Amy
doesn’t want to do all that again.”
“
Amy
doesn’t want to do what?”
That girl
has hearing like a sonar system I swear
.
“
Layla won’t sing with us
and says you’re not up to playing piano tonight.” Almost hitting us
as her drink sprayed out of her mouth, Amy jumped up and down
enthusiastically.
“
Are you freaking kidding
me!? Of course I’ll play and Layla will sing. Won’t you Layla?!”
She stared me down as a silent understanding passed between the two
of us. Comprehending immediately what she was saying, I nodded and
rolled my eyes. “Ok, I’ll sing. But I get to choose the song.
Agreed?” Both she and Ollie accepted my terms and before I knew it
they were hustling Nick and Eric onto the stage to set
up.
I looked up at Jared as
he wound his arms around my back. “See, I can play nicely. I didn’t
spring over the booth to strangle him when he hugged you, I didn’t
shatter his jaw when he kissed your cheek and I didn’t break his
fingers when he held your hand. You must appreciate how hard that
was for me Layla.” Sliding my hands around his neck I pulled him to
me and covered his mouth with my own for a kiss. “I do appreciate
it and later I’ll make sure to show you my appreciation. Now if you
don’t mind, I have to go be a superstar now. Come be my groupie?”
Grinning like a Cheshire cat he followed me to the stage and stood
amongst the crowd. Turning to my new band I told them what we were
playing and since the song didn’t require a piano I asked Amy to be
my back up singer. Turns out the girls lungs weren’t just there to
support her endless talking.
of his chest to lie beside him. “Well I’d like to think I’m
independent, strong-willed and lots of fun. I grew up in
Pasadena,
in the same
house my father now lives and I loved it there. I was lucky enough
to have the greatest friend in the world live right next door and
although my parents never had any other children, Mel is the sister
I always wanted. My mom’s a nurse and when I was growing up she
spent most of her time at home with me. My dad worked in a small
garage so it meant we had to live modestly. I didn’t mind that all
the other kids had gadgets and gizmos and designer clothes because
they hardly ever saw their parents. I got to see mine every day. We
always had dinner together and in the evenings we’d just veg out
with popcorn and watch old movies. It was great. You already know
about my love life and apart from wanting to be like Marilyn Monroe
while growing up, I’d say I had a pretty standard life. Well, that
was until I moved to college and started singing in bars, working
in a cozy little coffee shop and met this guy. I accidently made
him spill coffee on this shirt he was wearing and he got all moody
about it. Oh and I may or may not have broken his nose but boy did
he act like a baby.”
Rolling on top of me
Jared pinned me to the bed and ticked me relentlessly. I squirmed
and shrieked as his fingers unleashed their assault on my body. “He
was a baby huh? You sure you don’t mean a total babe?” I giggled
harder as he continued to tickle me, digging into my ribs with his
fingers. Wriggling out of his grasp I kicked and rolled till I was
out of his grip. Standing in front of the bed panting, I watched as
his eyes took on that familiar predatory gaze. I was a gazelle
caught in the sights of a lion and I had one option. A mischievous
smile spread across his lips. “Oh that’s a dangerous game Layla. If
you run I’ll be forced to give chase and you know how much I love
to catch you. One way or another I’m going to get you and when I
do, oh baby.” I quickly glanced at the door before fixing my eyes
on him once more. He ran his tongue over his lip and his mouth
opened slightly. I could see the desire burning in his dark hooded
eyes and it made me heat under his gaze. In a snap decision I
squealed and laughed breathlessly as I sprinted through the
hallways and down the staircase. His feet padded heavily behind me
and as I glanced back I could see him gaining on me.
Darting through the
doorways I made it to the dining room before he cornered me.
Standing on either end of the glass dining table we panted, trying
to catch our breath. “Cornered Miss Jennings. Now, come
here.”
His long finger curved,
beckoning me to go to him. Approaching the table I lifted my knee
high and climbed on top. His eyebrow shot up as he watched me crawl
sexily and seductively across the glass towards him.
A low growl rumbled in
his throat as I rose up placing myself less than an inch from him.
My lips parted slightly, I breathed gently on his lips. “Oh you
really are a tempting little siren. How the hell did I get so
lucky?” Gripping his hands on my ass he swept my feet from beneath
me and gently laid me on the cool glass. Lying on top of me, his
hand slid up my thigh as the other continued its vice like grip on
my behind. A vibrating in my pocket startled us. “Is that a
vibrator in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” I laughed
and pushed him off of me as I sat upright, digging my cell from my
pocket.
Lifting a finger to him
indicating that he give me a minute, I answered the cell earning me
a roll of his eyes. “Hey Amy.”
“
Layla did you know it’s
Ollie’s birthday?” Confused, I glanced at Jared who was now sitting
in one of the sleek black dining room chairs, watching me with a
finger pressed to his lips. “Are you sure? I had no idea. How did
you find out?”
“
Some guy came by looking
for him and asked me to give him a message. He said he was Ollie’s
brother and that he needed to talk to him about their parents and
that I should wish him a happy birthday. Why wouldn’t he tell us
it’s his birthday?”
I paused for a moment as
I turned over the feeling of uneasiness I felt about Ollie’s
brother seeking him out over their father. He must have heard about
him being in prison and their mother searching for Ollie. “I can’t
believe his birthday is the day before mine. I have no idea why
he’d keep it a secret.”
“
Maybe he didn’t want to
steal your thunder. We’re going to do something though
right?”
“
Of course we are! Ok, so
we’re at the bar tonight as usual, we’ll turn it into a birthday
party. Here’s what we’ll do. You go get Nick, Eric and whoever else
you can muster from the dorm to the bar. I’ll pick up a cake and
we’ll go halves on a gift? I have just the thing in mind.” Amy
squeaked with excitement and I had to hold the phone away from my
ear to stop her perforating my ear drum. “This is so much fun! A
surprise party for Ollie! I’ll see you at the bar in three hours?”
I risked a chance look at Jared before answering. “Yeah, see you in
three hours.”
Placing my cell on the
table I scooted off the edge and over to the hot piece of ass
brooding in the corner. Straddling his lap, I took his hands and
wrapped them around my waist. “Jared, I know how you feel about
Ollie but I really think you would feel differently if you got to
know him. It’s his birthday and were all going to Benny’s bar to
celebrate. I would really, really love it if you would come meet
everyone.”
“
Layla I really don’t
think…” Frowning, he ran his hand through his hair but I caught his
wrist and threaded our fingers together. It was his anxiety tick
and he needed to break the habit. “Please? I really can’t stand the
way you two hate each other like this. He’s my friend and you’re
the man I love. Please, for me?” Leaning forward I placed a soft
chaste kiss on his lips. He groaned in defeat and I knew I had won.
“Alright. For you I’ll come. But I am only doing this to make you
happy. You know I’d do anything to see you smile. Just don’t expect
us to be best friends because it won’t happen.”
Pleased with my victory I
grinned, jumped off his lap and did a little dance in celebration.
Chuckling, he stood and slapped me on the behind playfully. “Behave
yourself. You keep wiggling that sexy little ass in front of my
face like that we’ll never make it there. Come on, I’ll drive you
to the mall so you can pick up a cake and a gift. You know what
you’re getting him right? We’re not gonna have to traipse around
for an hour?”
I smiled. “I know exactly
what to get him. There’s a music store in your mall
right?”
Chapter 31
One Tequila, Two Tequila,
Three Tequila, Floor
Entering the bar, I
grinned as I saw dozens of students from the dorm drinking,
laughing and talking together. Amy had managed to get almost every
member of our building to come, just to celebrate Ollie’s birthday.
Jared clutched my hand tightly and carried Ollie’s gift wrapped
present in the other. Leaning into my ear he groaned. “Are you
serious? This is where you hang out?” Rolling my eyes I had to
balance the cake box steadily in one hand, as Jared had insisted he
was not letting go of the other one all night. Scanning the area
where our usual table stood, I spotted Amy as she waved at me
enthusiastically.
We made our way over and
after greeting us with a hug and peck on my cheek, she took the box
from me and carried it off to the bar. I looked around for the
guest of honor and noticed Ollie near the stage, talking to a
couple of guys I recognized from our psych class. He hadn’t noticed
me come in yet which I was silently grateful for, as I wanted to
introduce him to Jared properly which meant at least giving him a
heads up that he was even in the building. Amy returned to the
table with a pitcher and three glasses. “I didn’t know what you
drank Jared so I thought beer would be perfect.” Raising his voice
so that he would be heard over the crowd he smiled. “I’m pretty
sure you ladies aren’t old enough to be drinking.”
Giggling, she shrugged.
“My father still thinks I’m a virgin, some things are more fun when
done in secret I guess.”
I stifled a laugh as he
arched an eyebrow at her amused. Pecking him on the cheek I took
the gift from him and indicated I’d be back in a
moment.
As I walked away, I
watched as Amy pulled him down to sit beside her and began
introducing him to Nick and Eric. Ollie had finished talking and
was now striding towards me quickly. Scooping me into a tight hug
he twirled me around and kissed my cheek. “You are the best fucking
friend in the world. I can’t believe you did all of this for me!” I
grinned and glanced at Jared, who was watching Ollie with a
clenched jaw.
“
Why didn’t you tell us
it was your birthday? We only found out after Amy saw your brother.
Did you get a chance to speak with him?”
Shrugging, he brushed off
my question. “No and I’m not going to.” Gripping his injured palm
into a fist he frowned at it. “Let’s not get into all of that
tonight ok? It’s my birthday.”
Nodding, I handed him the
bright red package and smiled. “Happy Birthday Oliver.”
Tearing off the paper he
gasped and stared at me in shock. Stroking his bandaged hand up and
down the long tight strings of his new guitar, he grinned. White
with a black panel in the center it had been marked with his name
on the bottom curve. “Oh my god Layla. It’s beautiful. It must have
cost a fortune how did you pay for this?”
“
I didn’t. Well, not
alone. It’s from me and Amy. Do you like it?”
“
Like it? I fucking love
it!” Holding it in one hand he threw his arms around me again and
whispered in my ear. “Layla, about the photo.”
I shook my head and gave
him a gentle shove. “It’s fine. Another time alright?” He nodded
and pressed his lips into a firm line. “Ollie, I brought Jared here
tonight. I’d really love it if you two could meet properly. I don’t
expect you to be best buddies but I would like if you would at
least be civil for my sake. Will you come meet him,
please?”
Taking a deep breath he
frowned at me before rolling his eyes. “Alright. You know I’d do
anything for you. Where is he so we can get this over with and I
can go back to getting hammered?” The air was tense as we
approached the table. Jared was on his feet before we even got near
and immediately snaked a possessive arm around my waist. Ignoring
his attempt to mark his territory, I introduced the two guys and
held my breath as they stood sizing each other up. Holding out his
hand, Jared made the first move and after glancing at my hopeful
face Ollie accepted. Letting out the breath I was holding, I sighed
in relief. “So Layla tells me you play?” Lifting his guitar
slightly he gave Jared a look that suggested “well duh” but
thankfully kept the sarcasm to himself and never actually said it.
Glaring at him I mouthed a warning. “Be nice.”
“
Uh yeah, since I was a
kid. But Layla’s the superstar. She made her debut right there on
that stage.” He nodded at the empty stage across the bar and I
smiled to myself remembering the performance I’d made the first
time we’d come to Benny’s.
Grinning, Jared gazed
down at me. “Really? I would love to see that.”
Ollie took my hand and
smiled enthusiastically. “We should do it Layla! I’ll get to fire
up this little baby, Amy can play piano and the guys can play drums
and bass. Come on. Call it a birthday concert for me. Besides Jared
wants to see your awesome talent firsthand.” Jared’s eyes travelled
to where Ollie’s thumb was currently brushing back and forth across
my knuckles. Pulling my hand away quickly, I smiled
nervously.
“
I don’t know Ollie, I
mean, I think it was a once in a lifetime performance. Besides, Amy
doesn’t want to do all that again.”
“
Amy
doesn’t want to do what?”
That girl
has hearing like a sonar system I swear
.
“
Layla won’t sing with us
and says you’re not up to playing piano tonight.” Almost hitting us
as her drink sprayed out of her mouth, Amy jumped up and down
enthusiastically.
“
Are you freaking kidding
me!? Of course I’ll play and Layla will sing. Won’t you Layla?!”
She stared me down as a silent understanding passed between the two
of us. Comprehending immediately what she was saying, I nodded and
rolled my eyes. “Ok, I’ll sing. But I get to choose the song.
Agreed?” Both she and Ollie accepted my terms and before I knew it
they were hustling Nick and Eric onto the stage to set
up.
I looked up at Jared as
he wound his arms around my back. “See, I can play nicely. I didn’t
spring over the booth to strangle him when he hugged you, I didn’t
shatter his jaw when he kissed your cheek and I didn’t break his
fingers when he held your hand. You must appreciate how hard that
was for me Layla.” Sliding my hands around his neck I pulled him to
me and covered his mouth with my own for a kiss. “I do appreciate
it and later I’ll make sure to show you my appreciation. Now if you
don’t mind, I have to go be a superstar now. Come be my groupie?”
Grinning like a Cheshire cat he followed me to the stage and stood
amongst the crowd. Turning to my new band I told them what we were
playing and since the song didn’t require a piano I asked Amy to be
my back up singer. Turns out the girls lungs weren’t just there to
support her endless talking.
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